The next morning, the sun had not even peeked through the curtains when Aurelia quietly dressed herself for the day. She had to leave Alexei's room before anyone saw her. It was a sad situation. How could a wife sneak out of her husband's room like a thief?
She heard a soft shuffle behind her, followed by the sound of footsteps. Alexei's arm slipped around her waist, pulling her gently back into bed.
"We have a few more minutes," Alexei whispered, his lips brushing against her neck. Aurelia's breath caught, but she smiled, turning in his embrace.
For a moment, she let herself enjoy the closeness, their lips meeting in a slow, loving kiss. The worries of the previous night seemed far away, replaced by the butterflies fluttering in her belly. Alexei's hand cupped her cheek, then ran down her body softly to cup her butt, making her forget where they were.
But their moment didn't last long. Alexei pulled back with a sigh. "I have to talk to my grandfather after breakfast. I'll convince him, Aurelia. I won't let this go on."
Aurelia nodded, her mind jumbling with thoughts of how that could go. "I hope it works, Alexei."
Camille's face flashed in her mind, and she felt her nerves spike as the thought of losing Alexei crossed her mind.
After they dressed, Alexei kissed her forehead and left the room. Aurelia made her way downstairs, as if she had just come from cleaning his room. Since all the maids didn't want to share a room with her, she was allowed to sleep in her mother's cottage just outside the mansion. That was why nobody could ever suspect that she slept with Alexei.
Breakfast was quiet, with the Ashcroft family gathered around the long table. Aurelia stayed in the background, as usual, preparing to serve. But a sudden commotion outside caught everyone's attention.
The front doors flew open, and in walked guards carrying luggage.
The family members exchanged excited glances, except for Alexei and Aurelia, who shared a confused look.
"What is going on?" Alexei asked, just as the guards set the luggage down in the living room.
His question was answered when only a moment later, Camille strolled in. Her confident stride, the smile on her lips, the way the Ashcrofts welcomed her with open arms—it felt like she was always part of them.
"Welcome, Camille!" Alexei's grandfather smiled, standing to embrace her. "It's wonderful to have you here."
Alexei remained seated, his jaw clenched. Aurelia glanced his way and caught the brief, tortured look in his eyes before he forced a smile and stood to greet Camille.
His grandfather sent him a cold glare, leaving Alexei no choice. He wrapped his arms around Camille in an awkward hug.
Aurelia's heart squeezed painfully. She quickly looked away, pretending to arrange some flowers on a table.
Camille's voice was sweet and excited as she joined the family at the table. "Good morning, everyone!" she said brightly, sliding into the seat that had been prepared for her right next to Alexei. She immediately leaned into him, resting her head on his shoulder as if they had been this close all along.
Alexei froze and tried to subtly shrug her head off his shoulder. Aurelia's breath hitched, and tears gathered in her eyes. She forced herself to keep moving, her hands trembling slightly as she poured tea for Camille.
Camille giggled at something someone at the table said, then glanced at Aurelia. "Oh, by the way, maid, could you prepare a table for two in the east garden? Alexei and I would love to spend some time there after breakfast."
Aurelia's pulse quickened. The garden? She sent a panicked look at Alexei, a silent plea in her eyes. That was her private space, the place she cherished most in this mansion.
Alexei's eyes softened, and he smiled reassuringly at her before turning to Camille. "We'll go to the west garden. It's beautiful."
But Camille wasn't having it. "Oh, no, the east garden is much nicer. I saw it last night. I want to see it during the day," she said with a sweet smile. "We'll go there."
Alexei opened his mouth to protest, but his grandfather cut him off. "The east garden is perfect for today. You should please your fiancée, Alexei."
Alexei cast an apologetic glance at Aurelia, but she avoided his gaze. Defeated, he nodded. "Fine. The east garden it is."
Aurelia clenched her fist, twisting her skirt in her hand as she turned to go execute their orders.
While she prepared the garden, all she could see was Camille laughing with Alexei, leaning into him like she owned him. And he didn't even fight her off.
As the family finished breakfast and dispersed to their duties, Alexei's grandfather, Malcolm Ashcroft, stood and announced, "I'll be in my study."
He turned to the maids, his cold gaze landing on Aurelia. "Sorenson, fetch me a glass of water."
She quickly nodded, grabbing a glass and filling it before following him to the study. This was her chance to know what was going on.
Once inside, she gathered her courage and, in a soft voice, asked, "Mr. Ashcroft... why are you doing this?"
Malcolm turned slowly, his emotionless gaze focused on her. "What did you say?"
Aurelia swallowed. "Sir, I... I thought you knew about Alexei and me. I thought you approved."
For a moment, Malcolm just stared at her. Then, a cruel smile twisted his lips, turning into a full-blown laugh. "You thought I would allow my heir to disgrace this family with a maid? A cursed maid at that?"
"Foolish girl," Malcolm continued, standing and walking toward her. "You mean nothing. Alexei will marry Camille, and you will stay in your place. Understood?"
Aurelia took a step back, her heart breaking. "But Alexei—"
Malcolm's voice dropped to a threatening whisper. "If you know what's good for you, you'll keep away from my grandson. Or you'll end up worse off than your mother."
She froze. "What... what do you mean?"
Malcolm's eyes gleamed with sinister satisfaction. "I think you know exactly what I mean. Don't make me remind you."
Aurelia froze. Her mother? What did he mean? Her mother had died in a tragic accident... or had it been something else?
She rushed out of the study, her heart pounding, her mind racing with the horrible possibilities. What had Malcolm done to her mother? What would he do to her?